Cognitive biases in entrepreneurship

An analysis of their duality and impact on decision-making

Authors

  • Deivit Wilfredo Reynoso Espinoza Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú
  • Cielo Melany Mesinas Rojas Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Perú

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22451/3002.nbr2025.vol11.1.10104

Keywords:

Cognitive biases, entrepreneurship, decision making, risk perception, social capital

Abstract

This paper examines the duality of cognitive biases in entrepreneurship, analyzing how they can simultaneously act as drivers and obstacles to the success of ventures. The main biases identified in the literature are analyzed: overconfidence, illusion of control and optimism, as well as other relevant biases such as the planning fallacy, the law of small numbers, anchoring, the carryover effect and loss aversion. The research reveals that these biases can have both positive and negative effects on the entrepreneurial process, influencing decision making, risk perception and entrepreneurial performance. In addition, moderating factors such as gender, experience, education and social capital, which influence the manifestation and impact of these biases, are explored. The study highlights the importance of understanding these biases to improve entrepreneurial decision making and suggests strategies to mitigate their negative effects, providing valuable insights for entrepreneurs, educators and policy makers in the field of entrepreneurship.

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Author Biographies

Deivit Wilfredo Reynoso Espinoza, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú

PhD candidate at the Consortium of Universities (PUCP, U. de Pacífico, U. Lima, U. Cayetano Heredia). Master's degree in Psychology with a specialization in Organizational Psychology from the National University of San Marcos (UNMSM). Bachelor's degree in Psychology from UNMSM and Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the National University Federico Villareal (UNFV).

Cielo Melany Mesinas Rojas, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Perú

9th cycle student in Organizational Psychology and Human Management, passionate about climate and culture, as well as organizational development, with a strategic outlook aligned with the role of HR Business Partner.

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Published

2025-06-30

How to Cite

Reynoso Espinoza, D. W., & Mesinas Rojas, C. M. (2025). Cognitive biases in entrepreneurship: An analysis of their duality and impact on decision-making. Newman Business Review, 11(1), 04–41. https://doi.org/10.22451/3002.nbr2025.vol11.1.10104